Asheville, NC –Mother Nature smiled brightly on a day intended to remember equestrian Juan Hernandez fondly with blue skies and sunshine for the $25,000 EMO sponsored Memorial Grand Prix. However no one smiled brighter than owner-rider Michael Tokaruk of Cordova, TN partnered with Lord Byron his 12 year-old Holsteiner gelding as they claimed victory over a tough field of competitors.
Internationally known and sometime feared course designer Michel Vaillancourt provided the audience with a verbal walk through of today’s course layout consisting of 13 obstacles requiring 16 big efforts. The most challenging spots according to Vaillancourt, “Will probably be with the combinations I’ve put out there. I’m thinking 7A, the vertical of the double, and definitely the triple coming down the last long line and again I’d say 12B, the middle jump-another vertical.” When asked for an assessment of the field after yesterday’s late shower that postponed the Prix until today Vaillancourt stated, “the footing is awesome! Despite even the shower the tracks are perfect. Should be a great ride for them.”
Tokaruk was fifth in the order and the first to go clean with a time 82.78. “Tough and long” was his opening comment of the first run. “You and the horse have to be fit on a course like this. Byron just got better as he went!”he concluded while patting his mount. Out of the original field only 2 made it back for second round action making it a true head to head competition. Elizabeth “Liza” Towell of Camden, SC piloted her 8 year-old Dutch Warmblood Rockefeller to a clear first round in 84.78 seconds. The December bride to be said, “It was a challenge this afternoon and we came close but I’m just as happy for Michael.”
Vaillancourt’s jump off unveiled he still had several challenges in store before a winner could collect the big paycheck. Still taking advantage of the huge grass field he laid a course of 8 obstacles, sweeping but tighter turns, and the dreaded double combination that had taken out most of the first round, all this drama within a 52 second allowance. “Looking at that course I knew we had to be fast but smart as well. The first run taught us that.” today’s winner said of the second round, “and go CLEAN!” The audience went silent as they did just that with a quick time of 42.261. This is the third year Michael has ridden Lord Byron at Grand Prix level and his second year as the proud owner. “We’ve been having a good season. Coming so close, within mille seconds our last outings. I think he (Byron) wanted to win this even more than I did.” Tokaruk said with a wide grin.
Liza and “Rocke” gave it their all as well, going clean with a close time of 42.317 to take second place. Third place went to Liza’s younger brother, Jack Hardin Towell riding Iago Du Quesnoy, who were the fastest 4 faulters from round one with a time of 82.82. Fourth place found Hardin back again with his mount Eventual finishing round one with 4 faults in a time of 84.14 and completing the top five was Shane Sweetnam riding Victor III for owners LVS Group with a first round time of 86.07 and 4 faults.
Presenting to this week’s winners on behalf of the Hernandez family was long time friend Dr Juan Gamboa, Mrs Jennifer Gamboa, Peter Rowe of Farm House Tack, and Classic Company president Bob Bell. “What an exciting way to remember Juan! I know he’s smiling.” Bell beamed upon exiting the field. “We’ve gotten such an enthusiastic response to all the changes here along with some gorgeous weather now! We’re having a grand time…and we’ve still got another week!” He wrapped up the sentiment of most week one exhibitors.
The Biltmore Estate Summer Classics continue through July 23rd with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Classes begin daily at 8AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is required to the Biltmore grounds and may be purchased at the gates. Each Saturday evening will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper event. For more information or results on the Summer Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 828-225-6202.
You must be logged in to post a comment.